Seven tips for sun protection

As a Dermatologist in Bangalore, I routinely see a rush of patients suffering from sunburn and sun allergy during summer time. Bangalore despite its pleasant weather boasts of a very high UV Index (The strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expressed as a Solar UV Index or Sun Index). No doubt Sun protection is my area of priority when it comes to treating sun allergy and sunburn. I would like to share few tips on sunprotection to be followed daily in Bangalore.

1. Protect your skin with clothing, and don’t forget to wear a hat with minimum 4 inch brim that protects your face, neck and ears, and a pair of UV protective sunglasses
2. UV protective sunglasses are a must
3. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny
4. When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA.
5. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming, towel-drying and strenuous exercise. 
6. Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as far as possible. 
7. It may be necessary to take Vitamin D supplement tablets as strictly avoiding sunlight can reduce Vitamin D levels. (You should ask your doctor or dermatologist Dr. Divya Sharma about this)

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Whitefield Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

How to prevent photoageing: premature ageing of skin on exposure to UV rays

Photoaging is premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) primarily from the sun, but also from artificial UV sources. Photo means light so photo ageing means ageing of skin caused by light.

Q What is photoageing?

Ans. Changes in the skin caused by years of long, uninterrupted exposure to sunlight or Ultraviolet rays to be precise.

Q How does exactly photoaged skin looks like?

Ans. A photoaged skin looks clinically different from normal ageing skin. Apart from fine and coarse wrinkling, it shows laxity, sagging, prominent blood vessels, mottled pigmentation, leathery feel and increased fragility. The lips lose their color and the entire face is lusterless.

Q What are the causes?

Ans. – 

Ultraviolet light (the major source of which is Sun) is absorbed by the skin especially the second layer of dermis. Dermis is formed by a tightly formed network of collagen and elastin fibers. This arrangement which is responsible for the resilience of the skin gets disturbed by chronic sun exposure. The fibers change their composition and abnormal material starts getting deposited leading to age spots and pigmentation.

Chronic sun exposure also leads to accumulation of toxins and free radicals which can even make skin prone to malignancy. UV A is the major culprit as it is absorbed deeper into the skin along with a little contribution from UV B wavelength.

Q How to prevent photoageing?

Ans.   

1. The first and most vital step is patient education and awareness about the importance of sun protection.

2. Avoid going out between 11 am to 3 pm.

3. Sun protective clothing, head gears and even UV protected sun glasses are a must have.

4. Sunscreen usage- A particularly daunting challenge is to choose the right sunscreen. Most of the sunscreens do not offer broad spectrum protection because of the unavailability of good UV- A Sunscreen agents. A Good SPF only ensures protection against UVB while there are no accepted standard criteria for UV-A protection. 

5. Right usage of sunscreen– The sunscreen has to be applied in generous amounts at-least half an hour before going out in the sun and should be reapplied every three hours.

Minimum SPF of 30 with Adequate UVA protection is must.
Patients who have already started developing changes suggestive of photoageing can opt for glycolic peels or alpha hydroxy acids.

Since sun damage is cumulative it is never too late to start! so start your regimen of preventing photoageing now!

Stay skin healthy and skin wise!!!

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Sunscreen while driving: love your skin when you are behind the wheel

Most of us spend a considerable part of our daily lives in travel or driving. According to some recent surveys , this constitutes the largest percentage of total time spent outdoors. This period spent inside vehicle poses the highest risk for intense sun exposure. " Most of us take this plea that we hardly walk in sun to the car park or bus stop which is just few meters and I am in the car or bus only ...Still why do I need to apply sunscreen ?"

Q Why to apply sunscreen when inside the car/bus , " The windows are closed "?

Ans Windshields are made up of laminated glass which blocks upto 90% of UV Rays but sadly the side and rear windows allow them uninhibited. Shoulder , arms and hand closest to the side window receive the highest sun exposure and are always more vulnerable.

In a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology researchers found that people who had spent most time driving car each week were more likely to develop skin cancers on the side exposed to more sunlight while driving!

Q- Is tinted glass or Films protective?

Ans Clear glass transmits 62%of UVA while dark tinted only 11.4% . UV absorbing films are even better only allowing 0.4% of harmful radiation. Imagine with the latest traffic rules of removing any sort of films how much our sun exposure has multiplied.

Q Okay then I will keep a sunscreen in my car always?

Ans No, never leave your sunscreen in a hot car. On a hot summer day when your car is parked outside, the heat may weaken its potency. Always treat your sunscreen the way you treat a prescription medication- keep it away from extreme heat. Most preservatives in sunscreens are designed and tested in a range of temperatures close to room temperature.

Q Aha..so sunscreen on and i am all protected?

Ans Well almost, one vital area of your face is still uncovered and exposed. Yes you are right its your eyes. Here your sunglasses will protect. A pair of shades goes a long way to protect your eyes. Use a good pair which mentions the UV protection index. It should atleast provide 95% UVB protection and 60% UVA protection.

Keep your skin safe and enjoy your driving with a sun safe skin!..Stay skin healthy and skin wiser!

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

8 Things you must know about sweat!

Come summers and most of the people complain of increased sweating and body odor. This goes without saying that it is not only socially embarrassing but an inconvenience too. Here are a few tips from your dermatologist on skin and hair solutions blog to control the sweat mania this summer.

1) HYDRATE !HYDRATE! HYDRATE! Quench the thirst soon!!  

Drink lots of water to detoxify and allow easy flushing of our body toxins. Our body produces more sweat if it senses less body fluids to keep our skin wet. Coconut water ,mango panna and lime water should replace aerated and frizzy drinks available in the market as the former are healthier and replenish many a lost vital body salts.

2) Why does it Sweat?                                                                                                                          Sweat is produced in human body to regulate the body temperature by its cooling effect via evaporation. Also it releases lot of toxic substances from the system.Most of the times it is not noticeable until the rate exceeds the rate of evaporation which can be affected by climate, stress and levels of activity.

3) What is the source of this sick odor?
Moist warm conditions in the underarms promote bacterial overgrowth which break down the fatty acids in the sweat and produce odor causing organisms. This process is accentuated if Hair are not removed as they cause more bacterial overgrowth.

4) Keep yourself squeaky clean!!!
The role of daily shower with a thorough toweling of the sweat prone areas cannot be overemphasized  Change your sweaty clothes out of your wardrobe and a fresh pair of fabric will definitely allow your skin to breathe.

5) Deodorants or antiperspirants ? Which one for me?                                                      Deodorants only serve to mask the odor while Antiperspirants  reduce odor and decrease sweat too. While the former can be applied to any body part and is classified as cosmetic , the latter are mainly used for underarms and are labelled as drugs.Antiperspirants have aluminium compounds  which react with the skin salts and form gel plugs the sweat glands. They exert a slight astringent effect causing pores to contract.

6)  Are there any side effects?                                                                                                   People with kidney problems and known allergy to preservatives should  definitely avoid the aluminum containing antiperspirants.There are alcohol free products available for people who get burning on application. These products should be of course used only if necessary and if lifestyle changes don't help as a little amount when used over a long time can definitely get absorbed through the skin into your system. Consult your dermatologist for the best product suited for you.

7)  Shall I make any changes in my diet?
Lots of food items especially garlic , onion, pepper and  spicy curries along with non vegetarian items like red meat should be completely avoided as they are removed from the body via sweat.  A plant based diet is AN INTERNAL DEODORIZER .. Chlorophyll and phytonutrients cleanse you from the inside out. Aromatic herbs like sage , rosemary , thyme ,oregano  and parsley , celery and mint are natural treasure of detoxifying agents.

8)  TAKE HOME PEARL
Eat a healthy diet made of whole grains , green leafy vegetables , fresh fruits , soy products , raw nuts and plenty of healthy fluids will supercharge your system and body odor shall be a thing of past....